ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

Here it is! Anne's newest and best recording ever!

This latest release features 15 songs – six original tunes from Anne, inspired versions of three classic tunes of the Industrial Workers of the World (the Wobblies), and six songs from stellar contemporary colleagues Kiya Heartwood, James Keelaghan, Al Grierson, John William Davis, Colum Sands and Evan Greer.

The finest musicians in Pittsburgh collaborated with Anne on this musically diverse collection of songs. The CD also features Commander Cody in a duet on Joe Hill’s “Preacher and the Slave,” the Austin Lounge Lizards harmonizing on Anne’s gospel tune “You Will Answer,” harmony vocals by Pat Humphries and Sandy O (Emma’s Revolution) on “Hillcrest Mine,” and breathtaking supporting vocals arranged by Anne Weiss for the inspirational “How Long?” In addition to the liner notes, complete lyrics, additional links and more are included as a PDF file on the disc.

Anne Feeney is “the best labor singer in North America,” according to Utah Phillips. Based in her hometown Pittsburgh, PA, Anne is on the road more than 200 days a year, singing in union halls, on picket lines, at rallies, riots, folk clubs, festivals, conferences, conventions and colleges. She is a Kerrville New Folk winner, and her songwriting has garnered praise from folk legends like Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, and Peter, Paul and Mary. Anne’s anthem, “Have You Been to Jail for Justice?” is featured in several films, and is featured on two recordings by Peter, Paul and Mary. (and it's being sung in paddywagons everywhere!)

"Anne Feeney is the ultimate protest singer... Overall, you can't get more comprehensively informed about traditional protest music in Pittsburgh than by listening to Anne Feeney, and this album proves her inimitable staying power yet again." -- Manny Theiner, Pittsburgh CityPaper

"This is one of Anne Feeney's best albums ever. It's loaded with uninhibited energy and heartfelt singing---all applied to a wonderful collection of songs. just can't wait to play these new tunes on my radio show."
Gene Shay/WXPN Radio/Philadelphia

"Anne's newest creation is a cd that features songs by many outstanding writers. "Dump The Bosses Off Your Back" is beautifully crafted and produced. This collection must be added to your acoustic folk library."
David and Leni Engels - S. Florida Folk Club

"Your new CD's fantastic! A real steppping out of the box recording with unique arrangements of some old favorites and powerful Anne Feeney originals. A new way to think about labor and social justice songs. And you can quote me.
Greg DiGiorgio - host of WRPI-FM's "The Labor Show"

"This recording is not for the politically timid, or for those who think the eight-hour day was the gift of benevolent management, to borrow a line from Utah Phillips. She brightens up and refreshes some chestnuts, such as the title song and "Preacher and the Slave," with new lyrics and zippy arrangements. She cleverly interweaves business news with Harry McClintock's "Hallelujah, I'm a Bum." The "Preacher and the Slave" features amusing vocal interplay with George Frayne, who also provides great piano accompaniment.

She includes half a dozen originals, along with mining disaster songs from James Keelaghan and Kiya Heartwood as well as some rarely covered, but superb songs by John William Davis, Al Grierson and Colum Sands. I suspect if Feeney's politics had been rightwing, she might have been a pop star, because she has an amazingly effective voice. With the demise of Utah Phillips, Feeney is one of our best living radical singer-songwriters. Her gusto and absolute conviction assures the listener that she's not merely going through the motions. She never grows tired of the cause. If you are a fellow traveler, you'll love this CD."--Rich Warren, SingOut! Magazine, March 1, 2009

Great group harmony and banjo plucking! This is one of Anne's best ever. Her message is delivered with wisdom and wit in a clear and driving voice. Her sad and moving "Sago" illustrates how much we need that voice more than ever.

Brilliant! Inspiring! Lyrical!
Sing out loud and harmonize. This is great music. It can soothe, or agitate; console or motivate to action. Pick a side and pick a track...absolutely incredible listening experience.

top quality gut-punching lyrics combined with world unfluenced journeyman instumentation and a ringing truih make "Dump the bosses" a must hear rockin danceabilly classic..not to mention Annes powerhouse voice..buy it ..try it we love you girl

I discovered this wonderful Hell Raising, Union Agitation CD by Anne Feeney, in a Danish Progressive bi weekly Magazine which we sent away for. Anne Feeney has with this CD ‘ Dump ‘ The Bosses Off Your Back ‘ produced one of her best ever inspirational CDs with some great numbers which come from the heart, three of these songs are in fact old Wobbly tunes one by Joe Hill himself, Joe would be proud of You Anne!

Anne's album brings to mind the strategy used by the IWW and their "Little Red Song Book" where familar tunes were given organizing lyrics. Anne has done with using a variety of genre's so that organizing can cross cultures. Anne has succeeded in creating World Organizing Music, something sorely needed in our time. I was particularly impressed with her use of Hispanic music in tunes like "Ya Basta" in light of our current hysteria over "illegal immigrants."